Helicopter Training Podcast Episode 006 – High Density Altitude Helicopter Operations
This episode features my FAA Safety Team webinar on High Density Altitude Helicopter Operations, originally presented live for the Helicopter Pilot Study Group. For this video version, I’ve added additional graphics and video clips that were not part of the original webinar.
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Overview
We start with a quick recap of Episode 5 – Dangerous Student Errors Part 3, Episode 4 – Dangerous Student Errors Part 2, Episode 3 – Dangerous Student Errors Part 1, Episode 2 (How to Hover Helicopter) and Episode 1 (How to Become a Helicopter Pilot). I then share some updates, including a flights school catch, the Green Dot Syndrome video from the Rotorcraft Collective, Robinson service letter updates, HTV members-only systems videos and my new safety initiative – Found On Preflight.
We also give thanks to all the YouTube Members and Patreon supporters – learn more on how you can support this volunteer project.
In this episode we discuss high density altitude and summer operations, including:
- Preflight planning and performance
- Dust devils and other summer weather hazards
- Autorotations, off-airport operations, and other maneuvers
- Brownouts, wildfires, and more
The webinar is followed by a fun and informative discussion with attendees, featuring practical tips and lessons learned from real-world operations.
For this video version, I’ve added additional graphics and video clips that were not part of the original webinar.
Chapters
- 00:00 START
- 03:24 Rotorcraft Collective
- 03:58 Members-only videos
- 06:27 Introduction to Study Group
- 10:43 Preflight planning
- 28:31 R44 starting tips
- 36:04 Dust devils NTSB safety alert
- 39:50 R44 overspeed scenario
- 43:36 R44 flight considerations
- 45:00 Autorotations
- 57:27 Off airports
- 1:04:35 Exhaust fire risk
- 1:06:30 Brownouts
- 1:09:36 Governor off & low RPM
- 1:11:20 Low -G recovery training
- 1:13:13 Cooldown & postflight
- 1:15:00 Questions and discussion
- 1:42:25 Rebekah’s listener feedback
Show Links
Here are all the links referenced in this episode:
- Dangerous Student Errors Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8xtPILNIljCuCGUKfDQyf2kaQuKFOoC
- Low-G Recovery Flight Training – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJ8SAnwxD6I&t=546s
- Follow Student Pilot from Day 1 to Checkride – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM
- SFAR 73 Changes Video – https://youtu.be/i2CT4P76Cqo?si=G_SJ89eCrNpLNqgp
- Helicopter Training Flight #31 Pinnacles – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5wubZTE7sg
- Helicopter Pilot Study Group – https://discord.gg/ZQqZmp3gfB
- Rotorcraft Collective Videos – https://bit.ly/ushst025
- Robinson Safety Notices & POH – https://tinyurl.com/RHC-SNs
- Found On Preflight Safety Initiate – https://foundonpreflight.com/
- Ultimate R22 Preflight Guide – https://tinyurl.com/R22-Preflight-Guide
- Smoke Forecast – https://www.weather.gov/fire/
- VAI Land & Live! – https://verticalavi.org/safety/vai-land-live-program/
- CDC Aircrew Increased Cancer Risks – https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/aviation/prevention/aircrew-cancer.html
- NTSB Safety Alert – Dust Devils – https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Pages/SA-088.aspx
- ATSB R44 Grass Fire – https://www.atsb.gov.au/occurrence-briefs/ab-2022-004
- Instagram @claywebster_heli – https://www.instagram.com/p/DATYlx-pX3u/
- Military Brownout Mishap Assessment – https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1123124.pdf
- Tower Tech Mobile ATC Towers – http://www.twrtech.com/
- 911 Tactical Medicine Brownout Video – https://youtu.be/5yanHiNMm7s?si=rzR5A1qkMzfvVSNM
- Rebekah’s Happy Warriors YT Channel – https://www.youtube.com/@happywarriors777
- Book a Discovery Flight – https://tinyurl.com/HTV-Disco
- Recommended Books – https://tinyurl.com/HTV-Books
- Essential Pilot Supplies – https://tinyurl.com/HTV-Supplies
- Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) 10% Discount use “HTV10” at Checkout – http://tinyurl.com/HOGSDiscount
Check these out for more information and resources to help you along your journey.
Feedback
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re just starting out or well into your journey, send us your questions, feedback, or thoughts. You can reach out to the show through the contact form or even record an audio message—we might feature your input in a future episode!
